Benefits advice welcomed

Mary and her partner Reuben are living on low income, but were making ends meet. The Reuben's hours were cut at work, leaving him with only part time hours. At the same time their rent went up and their housing benefit was cut.

Mary hasn't been drawing any benefits up till now; our workers at Swindon Foodbank have advised her where to go to see if she is eligible now. Mary was desperately upset when she came in with a food voucher, but felt a little better after being welcomed with a listening ear and receiving some bags of food.